William ‘Bill’ Alton Rice

William ‘Bill’ Alton Rice passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2017, at his home in Wasilla, Alaska, with his family by his side. Bill was born on Sept. 22, 1948, to Margaret ‘Gail’ and Wilder ‘Bill’ Rice. Being in a military family they moved often and finally settled in Alaska in 1964. Bill helped his dad build a log cabin on “Rice Island” at Lake Louise where he eventually built his forever log home.

Bill worked for Arco on the Alaska Pipeline during its construction and spent over 30 years working on the North Slope as a heavy equipment and drill site operator before retiring in 2000. Although he had a house in Wasilla, his heart and home will always be at Lake Louise. He could always be found somewhere on the lake fishing, hunting, helping friends, visiting, grooming trails, tinkering in his shop and going on mail runs.

He is survived by his wife Francine, daughters Jennifer Williams (Robert), Devonna VanEsch, sisters Leslie Hysom, Noma Moore, and Shelly Mullican, stepdaughters Sara McCormick, Lea Derner, stepsons Luke & Jacob Randazzo, in addition to twelve grandchildren.

Bill Rice was preceded in death by son William Benjamin Rice, and parents Wilder Southwick and Margaret Gail Rice.

A celebration of life is scheduled for July 15, 2017, at Lake Louise Lodge.

“Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does go on…”

Rest in peace Bill Rice, you will be missed and we trust you’ll keep heaven interesting for us till we can join you. Till then it’s a ‘Dollar waitin’ on a dime.’